Straight answers,
from the people actually building it.

No, you don't need to own land yet — in fact, we recommend contacting us early. We offer free site evaluations where we'll meet you at properties you're considering and assess their "buildability": driveway access, foundation type, utilities, setbacks, drainage.

If you don't have a lot yet, we can introduce you to a trusted agent who specializes in finding buildable land across Cherokee, Pickens, Gilmer, and the surrounding counties.

Determine your budget and get pre-qualified for a construction loan if you plan to finance. Once you know what you can afford, you can start looking for land and thinking through the design.

No. You're welcome to bring existing plans, but we actually recommend designing with us from the start. Our in-house design team can create a custom floor plan tailored to your needs, budget, and lot in about 8–10 weeks.

When you design and build with us, we make sure the plan fits your site, stays inside the budget, and is drawn the way we actually build — avoiding the expensive surprises and redesigns that come later.

Custom home costs vary widely based on size, finishes, site conditions, and features. Our luxury custom homes typically range from $700,000 to $3 million.

The best way to get an accurate number is to send us a plan — or even a napkin sketch — and we'll provide a ballpark within ±5% of the final cost. That's a realistic picture before you commit.

If you've collected estimates from a few builders, you've probably seen them vary by tens — sometimes hundreds — of thousands of dollars. It isn't just price. It's what's included, the quality of materials and labor, and how the contract is structured.

We use cost‑plus because we believe in full transparency. You'll see every invoice, know exactly what you're paying for, and have room to make decisions as your home takes shape.

Most homeowners use a construction-to-permanent loan that converts to a permanent mortgage once the home is complete. We work with several banks that have already approved us as builders and offer excellent construction loan programs — see our Getting Started page for lender recommendations.

Beyond construction itself, plan for:

• Land purchase — if you don't already own one.
• Site preparation — clearing, grading, driveway.
• Well and septic — if you're not on public water/sewer.
• Survey and soil testing.
• Permit fees.
• Landscaping.
• Outbuildings or fencing — if desired.

We'll walk you through every potential cost during the initial consultation, so nothing surprises you mid‑build.

From breaking ground to move‑in, most homes take 10–14 months. The full timeline from your first call to moving in is a bit longer:

Home size and complexity, weather, material availability, and customer change orders can all shift the schedule. We run every project through scheduling software so you get regular, honest updates.

Yes — plans do change. But we strongly encourage finalizing decisions during pre‑construction, when changes are easy and inexpensive.

Once construction begins, changes go through a formal change‑order process: we document the change, explain the cost and timeline impact, and get your approval before proceeding. Some changes may not be possible depending on how far along we are.

As involved as you want to be. We believe in transparent communication and keeping you informed at every step.

You'll work closely with us through the design phase to finalize plans and pick finishes, fixtures, and materials. During construction you'll get regular updates and are welcome on the job site. We also have a dedicated interior design team member to help you make selections.

Quality sits at the heart of everything we do. Our quality assurance program runs over 4,000 checks across 55 specific stages of the build.

All floor trusses, roof trusses, beams, footers, concrete walls, and slabs are either engineered or inspected by a licensed engineer. The subcontractors we work with share our standards and stand behind their work.

We build truly custom homes — we never build the same house twice. Each one is designed around our client's needs, preferences, and lot.

Whatever your vision, we can bring it to life. Browse the home gallery for examples.

Absolutely. We can incorporate high‑efficiency HVAC, advanced insulation techniques, energy‑efficient windows and doors, LED lighting throughout, and Energy Star appliances.

On the smart‑home side, we offer automated lighting, thermostats, security systems, and whole‑home audio — all customized to your preferences.

The best foundation depends on your lot's terrain, soil, and your preferences. We'll assess the site and recommend the right option.

We work with an interior designer to help you pick finishes and materials whenever you'd like the help — flooring, cabinetry, countertops, fixtures, paint colors, and all the small details that make your home uniquely yours.

It's a huge benefit for homeowners navigating the thousands of decisions involved in building a custom home. We'll visit showrooms with you, review samples, and help you make choices that fit your style and your budget.

We build custom homes throughout North Georgia, primarily serving seven counties from our office in historic downtown Canton.

Headquartered at 270 E Main St, Suite B, Canton — we'll consider bordering counties on request.

The questions we run through on a site walk:

• Is there a suitable building site for your home?
• Is there a reasonable driveway entrance location?
• Are utilities (water, electric, gas) available nearby?
• If no public sewer — will the soil support a septic system? (Get a soil test.)
• Are there HOA covenants or building restrictions?
• What are the setback requirements?
• Is the property in a flood plain?

Have us evaluate any property before you purchase. Our free site evaluation can keep you from buying land that's difficult or expensive to build on.

Yes. We have extensive experience building in gated communities and neighborhoods with architectural review boards, including:

We're familiar with navigating community guidelines and architectural requirements — your home will meet every standard while achieving your vision.

A comprehensive 10‑year warranty on every home we build, through our partnership with 2‑10 Home Buyers Warranty — the nation's leading home warranty company.

It covers structural defects and gives you peace of mind for years to come. We also perform thorough final walkthroughs and quality checks to minimize any issues before you move in.

If something comes up after move‑in, submit a warranty request through our website. Our team will review the request and coordinate with the right trade partners to address the issue promptly.

Precision Custom Home Builders was founded in 2005, and we've been building custom homes in North Georgia ever since. Over 250 homes completed; 12 to 14 a year today.

Founder Dan Ellsworth is a second‑generation builder with an Engineering degree from Brigham Young University, who grew up working alongside his father in the home building industry.

Several ways to see our work: